Wehner: Alvarez Can Make A Big Difference

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 09: Pedro Alvarez #24 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits a solo home run in the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field on May 9, 2013 at Citi Field in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City.(Photo Credit: Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

PITTSBURGH (KDKA 93-7 The Fan)- The Pirates split their series in Cincinnati against the Reds, and now are on the West Coast for series against the Angels and Mariners.

The Pirates earned the split on the bat of Pedro Alvarez, as he drove home all five runs in Thursday’s win.

“Coming out with a split was awesome,” Pirates broadcaster John Wehner told Vinnie and Cook. “I guess that’s why we’re asked more questions about Pedro Alvarez than anybody else. Because he makes that big a difference.”

The other big story of the Reds series was Clint Hurdle replacing Clint Barmes at shortstop with Jordy Mercer.

Wehner has noticed the improvement that Mercer has made.

“With the bat, I think he’s matured a ton. Defensively, you don’t even notice he’s there,” Wehner said. “He makes everything, he’s vanilla, he makes all the plays and he makes them look easy.”